Two years after losing its frequency, the local Menton radio station Fréquence Méditerranée is back on the airwaves this summer.

Jean-Luc Ghisolfo is happy. The founder of the local Menton radio station, Fréquence Méditerranée, has just obtained a permanent FM frequency from Arcom, the Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority. A victory after his disappearance from the airwaves two years ago.

Frying on the airwaves

At the very beginning of 2023, Arcom had withdrawn the temporary frequency on which it had been broadcasting since 2019. The independent radio union (Sirti) had filed an appeal with the authority a few months earlier, asking it to apply "more equitable regulation" . "Temporary authorizations are issued on a provisional basis and are reserved for specific cases. But, in certain territories, there are temporary authorizations renewed for 10 years. It doesn't make sense," explained Sirti's secretary general, Kévin Moignoux.

Citing a form of unfair competition, the union representative demanded that these radio stations—including Fréquence Méditerranée—call for applications to obtain a definitive frequency, "like the others." Jean-Luc Ghisolfo did just that. In July 2023, the Menton host submitted a comprehensive application detailing all the initiatives he had undertaken, particularly with young people. His application was approved last April by Arcom. As of July ¹ , Radio Fréquence Méditerranée will have the right to broadcast on channel 90.9. This will be for a renewable five-year period.

Jean-Luc Ghisolfo is a pugnacious type. "I never give up ," he smiles. "When I lost my frequency, even though I was still on DAB, I said I would get it back, because I always see my projects through to the end."

A local radio station

This radio station is a part of him. He devotes his savings and all his energy to keeping it alive. "It's a 24/7 job," he admits, but when you love something, you don't count the cost.

Through it, the presenter tries to offer diverse programs on education, ecology, and current events in the city . "Last year, we welcomed 90 guests: associations, artisans, merchants, local artists and sometimes even from Monaco, Nice and Grasse." He claims his proximity to the inhabitants of the French Riviera as much as to schoolchildren.

For several years, Radio Fréquence Méditerranée has been supporting the children of Villa Blanche and the Saint-Exupéry school to create programs, from A to Z. "I educate them about media," explains Jean-Luc Ghisolfo. "The educational aspect is very important to Arcom. We can see it clearly: today, children and young people no longer listen to the radio. They are on TikTok and Snapchat. By speaking in their schools, I introduce them to a world they don't know. I teach them to express themselves, to write, and I show them that they can manage to speak into a microphone, despite their shyness. It's a bit like when you do theater: you gain self-confidence."

Official launch in Castillon

And the formula is popular. According to him, the radio station attracts "8,000 to 9,000 listeners per day via streaming." A number that grows year after year. A nice source of "pride" for him and his team of volunteer presenters. "It's recognition of our work," he smiles. With the FM frequency, the radio station will reach more listeners. Jean-Luc Ghisolfo is delighted.

On August 13, the founder of Fréquence Méditerranée will officially launch his radio station on the airwaves. "We won't be ready on July 1," he says. He hopes to celebrate this event in Castillon, in the presence of Mayor Olivier Chantreau. "It all started here eight years ago ," he recalls. "Thanks to the mayor, I was able to install my antenna and transmitter in the town. They're still there today."

There won't be a special broadcast, however. The radio station is on summer vacation and will only rebroadcast past programs. So, check back in September to discover the new program schedule. On DAB... and on frequency 90.9!